PERSPECTIVE. PEACE. POWER.

PERSPECTIVE. PEACE. POWER.

Perspective. Peace. Power. How do we get these (and keep these) in the midst of turmoil, frustration or personal assaults to our bodies, minds, emotions, relationships, reputations or finances? How do we share these as we watch, and walk with, our loved ones as they go through hard and hurting times?

First, we’ve got to be real. God never asks us to deny the hurt and brokenness, the shock and disappointment and the just plain hard stuff of life we experience. Denial is not some warped kind of proof that our faith is steadfast and we are strong. Sometimes the very denial of our hurt, anger, doubt, fear and frustration may actually be more tightly linked to our pride than to our real and humble trust in, and dependence on, our Eternal Abba.

Second, we’ve got to let God be God. Not us. Not in our limited understanding. Certainly not in our own limited power. It is a great freedom to admit the truth that we are each frail, flawed and finite. And it is a great hope to know that there is nothing frail, flawed or finite about the Sovereign Lord of all Creation who loves us far more than what we could ever imagine!

Third, we’ve got to choose to believe and receive what God offers to us. In His way. In His time. God always offers us His perspective, peace and power to strengthen, transform and renew our hearts and minds right in the very midst of all our messes. God’s fullest offer comes to us through the sacrifice and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ! And He has declared:

“I am with you always to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Jesus is ours to believe and receive – as are our God’s ever-present Holy Spirit and our God’s living and active Word. Be encouraged as you reflect on who our God is and the perspective, peace and power He offers:

He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10

…the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6

God’s divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life [life and godliness] through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. – 2 Peter 1:3

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline [a sound mind]. – 2 Timothy 1:7

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Breathe. Believe. Receive. Be held by our Sovereign God’s perspective, peace and power!